Show time! Showing is entirely up to a child’s individual interests and goals...with a little push from the parentals and the trainers.
I am still navigating the shows, the classes, divisions, and what is for points and no points. I am by NO MEANS an expert, but I am involved, I like to know what's going on, and here is what I can tell you...
SCHOOLING HORSE SHOWS – A horse show that does not carry a rating by an official governing organization such as the USEF (US Equestrian Federation) or the USHJA (United States Hunter Jumper Association).
Additionally, a schooling show judge does NOT have to hold a judge’s card and may not be recognized by the USEF or USHJA. Schooling shows are a great way to “get your feet wet” and can serve as an introduction to “Rated” horse shows. They offer a low-pressure environment and are less costly than Rated or Open shows.
To compete in one full division of three classes at a schooling show you can expect to pay approx. $15 - $75.
Riders do NOT accumulate points towards year-end awards.
There are NO association membership fees.
These shows are mainly for fun and to practice one’s competitive skills.
Dress Code: The dress code is a little less formal than at rated shows but riders are expected to be neatly dressed.
Tip: Pick shows with a history of good management, fair judges and safe courses. Ask your trainer or ask in a forum! (shameless plug for the forum on ponyupmom.com).
Some Examples of divisions you will find:
Lead Line Division - The Lead Line Division is for youngsters just starting to ride. This is a class where the horses are lead around on a lead rope by an adult. The rider still needs to perform and show that they can direct the pony or horse where to go and give the correct aids and signals. Lead liners will only be asked to walk and trot and sometimes may be asked to walk off the lead with the adult or handler walking next to them.
Short Stirrup Division -The Short Stirrup Division is for riders who have not shown over a course of fences over 2′. There is an age limit for these classes usually riders between the grades of 4th and 8th. This Division may consist of a few over fences classes with a fence height of 18″ cross rails to 2′ verticals and flat classes to be shown at a walk, trot and canter. Riders in these classes may be asked to do a sitting trot as well.
Walk-Trot or Canter Equitation Division -This division is for riders usually under the age of 12 who have not shown at a horse show and jumped over 2′ in height. The rider will be judged on their riding style, ability to control the horse and their hands, seat and leg. The riders will show only on the flat.
Pleasure Division - This division is where the horse is judged more than the rider. The horse is judged based on manners, way of going, soundness and if they seem to be or look like they would be a pleasurable ride. The horse should be calm and quiet with his head low and ridden on a longer rein. This division consists of four flat classes at a walk trot and canter with a possible “hack” in the last class, where the horse will be judged on going over two fences about 2′ in height.
Some benefits of a schooling show:
Non-rated shows offer beginning riders a chance to improve their skills at a price that’s affordable.
Atmosphere at these shows is less intimidating.
Offer a way to gain an education about horsemanship.
Confidence boosting! Less pressure and more about learning the ropes.
The thrill of victory!
RATED OR OPEN HORSE SHOWS – A step up from non-rated schooling shows, rated or open shows are competitions governed and recognized by the USEF and USHJA. These shows are open to the general public. This also can mean that the number of riders per class can be higher than that of a schooling show.
Additionally, there may not always be classes for every level and the cost to participate is significantly higher than a schooling show.
To compete in one full division of three classes at a rated show you can expect to pay approx. $150 - $350.
Accumulating Points for Year End Awards: A rider who is a paying member (has a membership) of the USEF/USHJA earns points in the divisions in which they compete. Such points are accumulated towards year end awards.
Dress Code: For rated shows, the dress code is much stricter, and a judge can take off points for inappropriate attire.
Did you know? Besides the cost of the horse, which is much higher than most school horses used in schooling shows, rated shows require a great investment of time and effort. Because competition is so tough, there’s no sliding by with just one riding lesson a week. Any cracks in a rider’s foundation become glaringly apparent during the pressure of the sometimes multi-day events.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLASSES? And I'm still learning these...
Horse shows offer sets of classes, called “divisions," for the various levels and abilities of both riders and horses. The three primary divisions are Equitation, Hunters and Jumpers.
Within each division, there are several classes tailored to enable riders and horses to compete, from beginner to very advanced skill sets.
Riders and horses who compete in several classes of a specific division can be eligible to become “champion” or “reserve champion” in that division by winning ribbons and accumulating points.
Here are the descriptions of each:
Equitation classes: The rider is judged based on position and ability to execute the course with seamless effort and high level of control. The horse is not judged, but the overall picture or presentation of the rider is very important. In Equitation classes, the rider accumulates points.
Here she comes! Crowded ring, but our pony loves to show!
Note that “Judging” can be subjective! (ain't THAT the truth! I'm not bitter, I swear!)
Equitation classes include:
Walk-Trot Equitation – usually 2 classes - flat class only; no jumping.
Walk-Trot-Canter Equitation – usually 2 classes - flat class only; no jumping.
Short Stirrup - 1 flat and 2 jumping classes; open to riders age 12 or younger and includes a simple course of 4 cross-rails or “Xs” with no change of direction.
Academy Short Stirrup - 1 flat and 2 jumping classes; open to riders over 13 years old and includes a simple course of 4 cross-rails or “Xs” with no change of direction.
Children’s Equitation - 1 flat and 2 jumping classes; jumping classes range in height ranging from 2’, 2’3”, 2’6”, 2’9” and 3’. Courses include verticals, oxers, and changes of direction.
Junior Equitation - 1 flat and 2 jumping classes which range in height from 3’ to 4’. Courses include verticals, oxers, and changes of direction
Adult Equitation - 1 flat and 2 jumping classes - height range from 3’ to 3’6”. Courses include verticals, oxers, and changes of direction
Medal classes - Jumping class that includes a test of the top four to six riders over a shortened course. The test is determined by the judge.
“Big Eq” refers to Equitation Medal classes and Finals on a national level over fences that are 3’6” or higher
Hunters classes: The horse is judged on movement, expression, fluidity, and jumping style. A judge
evaluates the straightness in the line of the rider, from the shoulder through the knee to the toe. The judge also looks for the arc, or bascule, of the horse. The horse’s knees must be high and square under the horse’s head, and the horse’s hind end must follow or complete the arc that the front end sets. The horse’s expression must be bright, with ears forward, and have a forward momentum. While the rider’s accuracy and ability is critical, the judge is judging the horse. Judging can be subjective! It is the horse that accumulates points. Prize money is offered in most 3’6” or higher classes to the top 6 ribbon winners.
Jumpers classes: The courses include colored jumps, double and/or triple combinations, water obstacles and others. Fence heights vary, but range from 1.10m to 1.60m, which is Olympic Grand Prix level. Courses are highly technical and challenging, which is why the horse or rider is not judged subjectively. The rider and horse are expected to be highly educated. The rider is judged strictly by the number of faults a horse and rider combination accumulate.
Faults include: (i) lowering the fence height, (ii) exceeding the time allowed, (iii) and refusals.
Riders are eliminated for going off course, falling off, and having two refusals at any time during the course. There is usually substantial prize money offered to the first 6 ribbons in most jumper classes.
POINTS AND RIBBONS - Want to know the colors? And believe me, we've had ALL the colors!
Ribbons range from 1st to 10th place:
1st – navy blue
2nd – red
3rd – yellow
4th – white
5th – pink
6th – green
7th – purple
8th – brown
9th – grey
10th – baby blue
My daughter (on the left) and her bestie cleaning up at a local schooling show...Look at those smiles!
Point values are placed on each ribbon and can vary depending upon the class and rating of the show. But here is a typical example:
And don't forget that SHOW ATTIRE counts! Proper show attire is required at all rated shows, and subject to points. If a rider is not wearing proper show attire, a judge may subtract points from his/her score.
This is just SOME of the information when it comes to schooling and rates shows. If you are going it alone, no trainer, no groom, then start at a schooling show so you can get a feel for what you need to do and what it takes to get that kid in the ring! If you are part of a show barn, then have these conversations with your trainer and talk about what classes are most appropriate for your child. I have done both! And I still do! My daughter and I go to some schooling shows on our own with friends for fun and practice, and with our barn and trainer for more competitive events. Hay, I've even rented a camper to spend the night on the show grounds at multi-day events!
The camper I rented for me and my daughter for a multi-day show. We had a blast!
KNOW YOUR LIMITS and don't overbook yourself. Take it from someone who knows.
See you out there!
What are some of your schooling show tips? Have some bragging to do? Class suggestions? Let's see it!
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